Beware Of LegalZoom For Your San Fernando Divorce

When it comes to navigating the complexities of divorce, many individuals seek out online services like LegalZoom, believing it to be a cost-effective and straightforward solution. However, using such services can lead to unexpected challenges and increased costs. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the drawbacks of relying on LegalZoom for your divorce and explore why choosing a dedicated service might be the better option.

Understanding LegalZoom’s Process

LegalZoom offers a way for individuals to manage their divorce paperwork online, but the process is not as straightforward as it might seem. When you sign up, you pay a fee—typically around $299—to access a questionnaire. This questionnaire is designed to collect all the necessary information about your divorce. However, the responsibility of completing this form accurately falls entirely on you.

Once you fill out the questionnaire, LegalZoom will generate the required legal documents. Yet, here’s the catch: no one reviews these documents for accuracy. This means that if you make a mistake while filling out the form, you could end up with incorrect or incomplete paperwork. I’ve seen clients who received their documents only to find some forms were blank or filled out incorrectly due to errors in their input. This can lead to significant delays and complications in your divorce process.

The Burden of Self-Management

One of the most significant issues with using LegalZoom or similar document assembly services is that all the legwork falls on you. You’re not just filling out forms; you’re also responsible for understanding court procedures, filing your documents, serving your spouse, and completing financial disclosures. These tasks can be overwhelming, especially if you’re not familiar with the legal system.

Moreover, if you make a mistake in the procedure—such as how you submit your final judgment—you could face further complications. The Judgment is your final agreement, and failing to complete this correctly can lead to even more headaches down the line. Having a professional who can guide you through these procedures can save you time, money, and stress.

Hidden Costs: Double Fees

Another critical aspect to consider is the financial implication of using LegalZoom. When you file for divorce in California, there are standard court fees associated with the process. If you use LegalZoom, you may end up paying these fees twice. Here’s how it works:

• When you file your initial petition for divorce, you incur a filing fee.
• When your spouse responds to the petition, they must also pay a filing fee.
• LegalZoom’s process typically leads you to pay both fees, which can total nearly $900.

However, there are processes in certain counties, like LA County, that allow you to file for divorce without incurring these double fees. Unfortunately, LegalZoom does not provide this information, leading to unnecessary expenses for clients.

The Value of Professional Services

At Divorce 661, we offer a comprehensive divorce service that takes the burden off your shoulders. While our fees may seem higher upfront, we handle all the paperwork, court filings, and necessary communications. Most importantly, you’ll only pay one filing fee, which can significantly reduce your overall costs.

Here’s what you can expect when you choose our service:

• Document Preparation: We’ll prepare all necessary documents accurately and thoroughly.
• Filing and Serving: We handle the filing of your documents with the court and ensure your spouse is properly served.
• Legal Guidance: You’ll have access to our team for any questions or concerns throughout the process.
• Single Filing Fee: You’ll only pay one filing fee, saving you money in the long run.

Why Choose Us Over LegalZoom?

Choosing a dedicated service like Divorce 661 not only saves you money but also ensures that you are supported throughout your divorce process. Here are some key advantages:

• Expertise: Our team has extensive experience in handling divorce cases, which means you benefit from our knowledge of the law.
• Personalized Service: Unlike automated services, we provide personalized attention to your unique situation.
• Efficiency: We know the ins and outs of the court system, allowing us to navigate the process quickly and effectively.

Conclusion

While LegalZoom may present itself as a convenient option for handling divorce paperwork, the reality is that it can lead to increased costs, added stress, and potential legal complications. By choosing a dedicated service like Divorce 661, you can ensure that your divorce process is handled smoothly and efficiently.

If you’re considering filing for divorce in San Fernando, we invite you to contact us. Our team is ready to assist you every step of the way, ensuring you have a clear understanding of the process and are set up for success. Don’t let the complexities of divorce overwhelm you—let us help you navigate this challenging time.

For more information about our services, visit Divorce 661 or give us a call today.